Does your sewing machine have no reverse function? Is the reverse button on your machine perhaps even broken? Here's a video short of a tip on how to solve this problem with minimal fuss, so you can keep sewing even with the most vintage of sewing machines, without having to secure the seam at the ends
Long post, but lots of info here, that you might want to check out.
Please read this before you buy
deep inhale "ok so you want a sewing machine. Anything that is considered "new" on Amazon, unless it is from a brand most sewists know of, do not buy You don't know the quality, what to expect, it may highly likely be overpriced, and not worth getting from Amazon, so try to avoid Amazon if you can in general.
The primary sewing machine brands are as follows, in order of more to least reliable in sturdyness, quality, and overall longevity for home sewing brands:
Bernina
Juki
Bernette (subsidiary of Bernina)
Brother
Janome
Husqvarna
Necchi
Singer
For "Industrial machines", I've used Singer, Juki, and "Reliable" brands at school. Industrial machines, they only do one thing, but do it really REALLY well, and FAST. Do not get an industrial machine as a beginner
Singer for home sewing is the lowest on the rung for "new" machines, because of the current quality and longevity of the machines.
Yes, I have several Singer machines, no I would not recommend buying them if you want them to last. I should have gone with a Bernina but its what I could afford at the time
If you get a VINTAGE machine (40 years or older), Singer is ok, as is most other vintage machines which you will find the following brands, again high to low (although they're all pretty competitive, even back then)
Singer Bernina Juki White Kenmore/Sears Brother Viking Husqvarna Remington Elna Vulcan Cavalier Dressmaker
Ok so why is Singer at the top of this list now?
Because cross compatibility. There were/are a LOT of parts that fit multiple machines depending on what era you buy it from. If you buy one that's made between 1920 and 1950, there are a shit tonne of Singer 15 clones, so tonnes of parts. The bodies were metal, built to last with regular maintenance
With that said, older machines will have their ticks, and quirks. I mean…don't we all with age?
The key thing with any machine is knowing how to use one, and maintaining it, so regular oiling is mandatory
Part of the problem is, newer machines, they don't want you getting under the hood, kinda like a car, to maintain them. They want you to use it till it breaks, then throw it out and get a new one Examples of machines and personal opinions on each:
As an example, this is my Vintage baby. She's old, but still beautiful! Built in Scotland in 1937, and she still works! Hand powered (no electricity) cast iron body, all metal parts, except for the felt for wicking oil into the bobbin thread shuttle, and the rubber tire for the winding mechanism. Built to survive a nuclear blast just about. The downside is she's the heaviest machine I own, and also the oldest machine I have. This is the Singer 99k. The K is just an indicator of where she was made. Most Singer 66 parts are cross compatible with the Singer 99 models, if you're looking for replacement parts. The most likely thing to go is the springs, such as the presser foot springs and the spring that opens and closes the tension discs. (I'm working on replacing mine, but she does work)
This is an example of 'a in bad need of repair' industrial machines, that is also pretty old. They were selling them as is at college fairly cheap. I'd estimate this machine was made in the 60s or 70s based on the color of the table. I'm sure once they are given some love, they'd work just fine. Industrial machines are a workhorse, and generally regarded as being able to do the heaviest lifting when it comes to layers of fabric. You as a beginner do not need an industrial machine, but if you want to lean in and splurge, see if you can get a working second hand machine that's had a tune up
This one is a "Reliable" branded industrial sewing machine that I snapped a pic of in mid process of me making a collar sample for school. Its a newer machine, maybe max 20 years old. Just wanted to show you one as a comparison
This is a vintage machine that I gave to someone, thinking a newer one that was given to me would be more valuable. I was quite wrong, and I regret giving it up, but I hope the person who had it still uses it. This is the Kenmore Ultra-Stitch 12. My workhorse for the better part of a decade before I gave it up. Had I known then what I know now, it likely just needed a timing adjustment and it would have been fine. All metal body, the basic 12 stitches I needed, and worked really well for what I was doing with it. The video on me oiling this machine is one of my most popular on YouTube. Cat tax (RIP kitty), included. (she passed in 2020 from cancer for anyone wondering)
She was oh so helpful too. Anyhow...moving on
This is the Singer Esteem II. I realize the case is off. Not often you see a machine that has its case off. I wanted to show you that this one is ok. Mostly metal frame, fairly decent construction being made in the past 15 -20 years or so. I've used it for about 5 years, and it was given to me second hand by a colleague of mine who wasn't using it anymore.
Just snapped a quick pic of what it looks like with the shell on, and coated in stickers. What can I say, I like playing Terraria from time to time, and I have a lot of Holo Taco. Again, not a bad machine. This has been fixed up, greased and oiled, and will be going to The Shitpost Calligrapher at a later date for them to enjoy
My camera skills aren't great, but this is a mostly repaired machine. This is the Singer Prelude. Found on the side of the road. I cleaned it up, it just needs the reverse bar replaced (working on that), and its good to go. The most common problem on this machine is the reverse bar breaking. So much so that you can get a replacement STL file on Thingverse I'm keeping this one just cause I like the button hole function a bit better
One of my newest machines, and the first brand new out of the box machine I ever bought for myself. This is the Singer Heavy Duty 6380. Metal frame, fairly sturdy plastic body, and most of the basic stitches you'll ever need, multi positionable needle (left, center, right). It will go through 2 layers of coutil (really tight woven corset making cotton), and if I want to use an electric machine, this is my daily driver so far. The Prelude is going to wind up being my "take with me to travel to a sewing party or help a friend with repairs" machine.
NOW.....what you don't see in any of these is "digital" features. Why? The more electronic stuff a machine has, the more chances of something going wrong and not being able to fix it it has.
Now... I'm not saying digital machines are bad. I would love to have one to do embroidery with, but that's just not in my budget, or most folks who want to just start out in sewing. If you want to get a digital machine, I wouldn't recommend one for a beginner as they're harder to maintain or fix. I'd wait till you are more comfortable with sewing before you consider getting a digital machine.
Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist/Kajiji if you're Canadian/yard sales:
This might be a good option. Someone couldn't get into sewing and wants to get rid of their machine. Someone in the family might even have a vintage one. Most vintage machines will go between 40$ to 100$, especially the really old treadle and hand cranked machines, or the Singer "featherweight" series machines from the 50s, or common cast iron bodied ones like my Singer 99k. Granted I overpaid for mine but I wanted a machine that was guaranteed to work when I got it.
Ebay/Etsy:
Again it really depends on the brand/condition/refurbished state of the machine. Some people are machine collectors (someone I remember seeing having an army of the grasshopper Elna machines as example), some people just want to sell their family members' machine that passed away with no intention on using it themselves
Estate sales: See Ebay/Etsy
Now....Any used machine you get, please have it checked out by someone you know who sews regularly, who can confirm any trouble spots before you get into using the machine. Or, get one cheap, and take it to a shop to get it refurbished
Thrift stores:
Places like Savers/Value Village/Goodwill:
Again might be a good idea to take a sewing friend with you shopping if you're looking for a used machine and find one at a thrift shop.
In person stores:
If Canadian:
Lens Mills, Canadian Tire, Fabricland/Fabricville, Quilt shops, sewing supply shops, Walmart, Michaels, Costco, some leather shops, sewing outlets stores. Sometimes colleges in the fashion department will have someone selling one (as can be seen by my pics from George Brown), Best Buy for some reason (be careful, a fair number of unknown brands)
If USA:
Wawak, Walmart, Target, Costco, sewing outlet stores, quilt shops, leather shops (IE Tandy Leather sells a few in brands I've never heard of but specific for leather sewing), dry cleaning supply stores, some Youtubers (ie Sarah Spaceman has a promo code for Bernina brand via her YouTube Channel), other big box craft stores like Michael's (RIP Joann), Best Buy for some reason (be careful, a fair number of unknown brands)
Avoid if in USA: Hobby Lobby (at your own risk, non LGBT friendly, extreme christian-puritanical views for the company, terrible health care plan if you're AFAB)
Elsewhere:
Quilt shops, Department stores, sewing supply stores, sometimes hardware shops, clothing fabric shops, sometimes you just have to shop around based on your location. Again beware unknown brands that are not commonly known.
This was brand new to me out of the box in 2024 the Singer heavy duty 4 strand home serger, model number 14HD854, also known as an overlock machine
Can you make clothes and sew with a serger: yes
Is it complicated to sew with a serger: also yes
Do I have to have a serger to make cool stuff: No
Do I have to have a sewing machine at all to make cool stuff: Also no
As an example I made this jumper dress 100% hand sewn, made out of linen.
Lastly: Industrial machines Can I get an industrial machine as a beginner: yes, but with a caveat. You will want to reduce the speed in which your machine goes, cause hoooooly shit can they go fast when you're not expecting it.
As an experienced sewist, I would say that the ones set at college with no speed regulator go way too fast for beginners. Even with the foot pedal, the slowest speed goes faster than my home sewing machine's top speed. So, if you do get an industrial machine, you will need to reduce the speed.
If the machine looks like any of these above, DO NOT BUY! Super duper light weight, all plastic parts, or looks like a stapler, or looks like a toy, do not buy.
They break super fast, and its not even worth the 30$ (or less) you can get for them on Amazon.
Take a friend, ask around, and please do your research before buying a sewing machine. When you get one, read the instructions VERY thoroughly, watch a few YouTube videos on your specific make and model to get to know the features, go forth, and create cool stuff!
Thank you for reading this long post.
I did tease on one of my videos that I was working on an e-zine, that people can download for free, and print out a single copy to use, for beginner sewists, that I wrote out by hand.
Well, that first volume is LIVE!
You can find the link to the E-zine to download it, from my Ko-Fi page
Keep in mind that if you find any value in any of my work, or enjoy seeing what I'm doing, or want to support me through school, or making YouTube videos, please consider making a donation to my Ko-Fi page
Click on, or scan the QR code to go to my Ko-Fi page to download the E-Zine today!
Many apologies, as I often forget to cross-post here. I really should use this blog a lot more often
As many of you know, I've been working on my education. Even if I don't get a job working in the industry, I can keep working on my own wardrobe, and hopefully buying less, and re-using the fabric in my current wardrobe, to make something new, that will long term fit me better
With that said, I have a bunch of videos that I posted since the beginning of the year:
First up, we have a video for basic techniques for those who have never used a sewing machine before
Taking apart and re-assembling not only 1, but 2 sewing machines!
Struggling with a custom body block and fitting mockups to my body, so I can make my own designs that fit me well
See something you like? Have a comment on a technique, or want to help me out with my struggles? Go onto YouTube and please leave a comment, so I can reply, and so I'll see it.
I'll see you there!
Come on in and grab your bowl of soup.
Need something to keep your bowl warm, and your fingers insulated from the heat? This might be the perfect household item to do just that.
You might also be able to make one for a friend or family member!
This project only took me 2 days to make, while filming, but if this is your first time, or if you make one that has more top stitching, you may need more time to make it.
Above is the pattern
Please note that you may need to adjust the darts for length, and width, as well as the size of the fabric, for the size of your bowl.
Now....before anyone says anything, I bought this machine with my own money, and zero sponsorships from Singer sewing company.
I only heard about the pitfalls of this machine after I bought it, and only mentioned a few things in the video as to why I bought it.
Your machine may be better than this one, but most modern domestic machines thread in the same way, which is what I'm trying to showcase, not this specific brand and model.
In fact, you'll notice that I semi de-badged this machine.
With that said, I think some of you out there may find this video helpful, with even non-Singer branded machines.
It's that time of year! My favourite time of year, so lets get spooky with this kooky scrappy patchwork hat!
This is part 1 of 2.
Part 1 being the basic supplies and sorting out the math you'll need to make this hat!
I've also confirmed that the Excel spreadsheet link works, as I used it for this project, which is courtesy of hellowsewing.com at the link below, which will go directly to the spreadsheet download.
I'll see if I can make a copy of the math, but as a google sheets version for ease of access.
I'm still waiting for more material to come in, which shouldn't take too long historically speaking from the store I bought them from. But...I'll be filming a bit of the process while waiting for it to come in so I can get part 2 out ASAP!
You can hand sew this, or use a machine. Totally up to you.
I hope you'll join me on this sewing adventure!
It's time to get Medieval, with the Londinium Hood pattern by Opus Elenae
Their Ko-Fi page can be found at the link below, along with the pattern:
https://ko-fi.com/s/ec44c3c4d8
Keep in mind I finished this hood in 2022 as part of a challenge to finish a historybounding piece, to help keep me warm in the winter.
Please also note that I paid for this pattern with my own money, and is not sponsored.
Join me in seeing the process of how to make this GIANT HAT!
I need a broad brimmed hat to keep the sun off in the summer, and this dark brown felt hat certainly does the job!
You can style a broad hat like this many ways, adding flowers, greebles,
and it certainly gives some Cad Bane vibes (Star wars for you
cosplayers out there)
I know this is a fast one, but it gives you a peek into the process.
Happy hat making!
Hello Vault Dwellers!
I'm here to bring you this sewing mini series, loosely based on the Fallout video game franchise, in a two part series of making, and drafting my own cosplay based on the Fallout series of games, but more inspired in the styles of a Siren Suit from the 1940s.
So, Grab your Nuka Cola, and come with me on this sewing and pattern
drafting adventure!
In this video there are a few sewing tips, including some info for first
time serger users.
Teaser project trailer:
This is the reveal of the final length of time it took me to complete the Walkaway Dress Time Challenge, as well as discussing what is Fast Fashion, and defining Slow Fashion, with the help of Denizens of the Internet.
Also included is a Bias Tape Tutorial, so you can make some at home, for when you need bias tape for your next project
Thank you to Stephanie Canada at Backroom Finds for issuing the Walkaway Dress Challenge!
Also thank you to Stitch, Mari, and Jasper's Grimoire as well as anyone else who shared their thoughts on defining what they feel Slow Fashion is all about!
Does your machine need a bit of cleaning out? Here's how!
Here's an overview of how to solve your tension issues on most modern machines.
I hope this helps some of you out there.
Please comment on the video on YouTube if this tutorial helped you out!
Just a tool tip for those of you out there who are just learning, but have spools of thread that are WAY too big for your machine.
What you need is a Thread Stand!
Hello Denizens of the Internet!
Are you a beginner at sewing, or want to know how to sew?
Do you like
frogs? Then this is the video for you!
This video will cover just about everything. Fabric, thread, needles, scissors, marking tools, as well as demonstrations on how to sew your frog friend!
This video is so jam packed with instructions it's almost 2 hours long, so buckle up, get your beverage of choice, and we'll get started on making our frog together!
If you have questions, please ask in the comments section, on the video on YouTube.
Follow this link to the pattern and @boigameista blog on Tumblr:
https://www.tumblr.com/boigameista/659640392174698496/do-you-have-a-black-and-white-version-of-that-frog
Stitch with me, as I fix my pants, using some visible mending techniques, with some LoFi tunes playing, so you can listen and do your own thing, or work on some stitching of your own.
Hello Denizens of the Internet!
I'm sorry for any delays in projects coming up, as I'm always working on a bunch in the background, including for school.
One of my school projects took a lot longer than I planned, due to the mock-up phase. One of the first hats we have to make is a pillbox style, and I've been working on this with the final fashion fabrics for 3 days straight, on top of other errands and life stuff.
In the meantime, I will leave you with this snapshot of my mock-up of my hat.
I still have the following projects planned:
-Wheel of Time stuff (I just bought beads for the dragon pin)
-The timed trial of making the walkaway dress
-A beginners guide for people who have never sewn before
-the Q&A for beginners -the final reveal for the Aes Sedai Shawl ( use hashtag #wotcraftalong on instagram and here on youtube)
-(maybe) showcasing how to sew an Aes Sedai shawl (Likely Green)
-possibly a showcase of the process for one of my hats step by step from college
It may just take me a little longer than I planned due to timing
If you have questions regarding sewing, comment on my videos on YouTube. I might just use them in the future!
I hope you all have a fantastic day and I look forward to hearing from you if you have questions, or would just like to say hi!
Hello Denizens of the Internet.
I have a poll up on my YouTube channel and I could use your input. Please vote on the poll, at the link below, on my community tab on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@kieraoona/community
I also have posted a few more videos since my last blog post. If you'd like to, please check out my videos, as well as like and subscribe if you enjoy my videos. Every little bit helps the algorithm gods.
Also as an update, I've signed up for courses and am going back to school.
Below is a photo of one of the classrooms I'm in.
In addition I'm changing a few videos that are older, and removing them as the video and audio quality is absolute crap due to their age.
That being said I still plan on doing videos soon to replace a few of the old ones that may need updating, such as machine maintenance, and terminology for home sewing machines.
As I'm going to school and not working at the moment, if you feel like supporting my channel with a small donation, I have a Ko-Fi account, at the link below:
Any support will help me with supplies and materials, (cause school supplies are expensive), caffination in the form of tea, subscriptions for tools (such as background music that I use in my current videos), or upgrades to filming equipment (currently using a Samsung Galaxy A5 as my filming camera, which is at least 5 years old)
Thank you all for those of you who are watching my videos so far, or subscribed so far, and I look forward to making more content to help you all on your creative and crafting journeys!
I should update here more when I can, for those of you who are looking for more history things, DIY things, and craft shenanigans in general.
With that said, I will keep this brief as best I can.
I will be going to school in 2023, for garment construction and hat making to start, then using those course credits into possibly getting into a fashion and tailoring full time course. It's the first time I'll be back at school in decades. I'm a bit nervous, but who wouldn't be?
If this is your first time here, welcome, fellow Denizen of the Internet!
My focuses are going to be on slow fashion, upcycling where possible, vintage reconstruction for 1940's and 1950s, with a smattering of other eras from viking to victorian/edwardian.
I have books on Victorian tailoring, the Halsam system, and I'm working on ideas slowly.
I have been involved lately with the CosTube community, and have been working on multiple projects including spinning, vintage fashions, pattern making, and some costume elements.
I strongly advise to visit my YouTube page for more details and potential inspiration.
One of the "series" projects I've been working on for this year is the Tortoise Brooch challenge for those interested in Viking era, to make their own. You can see my journey below:
The introduction to the challenge:
And the final assembly and success:
If you like what you see, or if you;re interested in seeing more, please visit my YouTube page, like, subscribe, comment on what you liked or what you'd like to see next, as it all helps to bump the algorithm, and gives me a bit of a serotonin boost, and knowing what you all want for content.
Provided I have time, I look forward to joining CoSy 2023 (that's the CosTube Symposium).
See you all out there later for our next adventure...which may involve Butterick's 1950's "Walkaway Dress". Stay tuned!